Texas Rangers Blog

AL West update: Manny Ramirez starts minor league assignment

OAKLAND, Calif. — Suspended slugger Manny Ramirez is scheduled to begin a 10-game minor league stint with Triple-A Sacramento on Saturday in Albuquerque.

Barring rainouts, the designated hitter and outfielder is eligible to be activated by the Oakland Athletics from his 50-game suspension on May 30 — his 40th birthday — for the finale of a weekend series at Minnesota.

While the A’s could have sent Ramirez to Class-A Stockton this weekend and guaranteed themselves a big draw at the gates, general manager Billy Beane wanted to get Ramirez prepared against the best competition and pitching possible before his return.

The 12-time All-Star had to serve a 50-game suspension for a second positive drug test.

This will be the 20th major league season for Ramirez, a career .312 hitter with 1,831 RBIs.